Printed item
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A printer, method and printed item are provided where the printer and method print an image having a relatively high durability and/or resolution. In particular, the printer and method include a plasma treatment stage or step for treating the surface of an item prior to printing. A printer is provided that is configured to convey an item or a plurality of individuated items through a plasma treatment stage to prepare the surfaces of the item for printing. Such printer may use a non-continuous ink jet printing assembly such as a drop on demand printing assembly.
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Citations
33 Claims
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1-20. -20. (canceled)
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21. A printed item comprising:
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a surface; and
an image printed on the surface of the item wherein the image is printed by;
conveying the item through a plasma treatment stage;
treating the surface of the item at the treatment stage by directing a plasma from a plasma source to the surface;
conveying the item to a printing stage; and
printing the image with a printing element comprising a drop on demand ink jet printhead. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A plurality of individuated printed items:
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wherein each of said items comprises;
a surface; and
an image printed on the surface of the item, wherein the surface of each of the individuated items is printed by;
conveying the item through a plasma treatment stage;
treating the surface of the item at the treatment stage by directing a plasma from a plasma source to the surface;
conveying the item to a printing stage; and
printing the image with at least one ink jet printhead. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29)
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30. A printed item comprising:
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a surface; and
an image printed on the surface of the item wherein the image is printed by;
conveying the item through a plasma treatment stage;
treating the surface of the item at the plasma treatment stage by directing a plasma from a plasma source to the surface;
conveying the item to a printing stage;
printing the image with a curable ink;
conveying the item to a curing stage; and
curing the ink on the surface of the item. - View Dependent Claims (31)
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32. A printed item comprising:
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a surface; and
an image printed on the surface of the item wherein the image is printed by;
conveying the item through a plasma treatment stage;
treating the surface of the item at the plasma treatment stage by directing a plasma from a plasma source to the surface;
conveying the item to a printing stage;
printing the image with a printing element having a resolution of at least about 150 dpi.
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33-44. -44. (canceled)
Specification